Confusion has emerged after reports claimed the arrest of banned JAAC leader Shaukat Nawaz Mir during a security operation in Azad Kashmir. However, police have strongly denied these claims, stating that Shaukat Nawaz Mir is still at large and search operations are ongoing.
The conflicting information has created uncertainty, as several media outlets initially reported his detention. Some social media posts also circulated claims that he had been taken into custody.
BBC Urdu was among the outlets that reported the arrest. However, law enforcement authorities later rejected the report and clarified that no such confirmed arrest had taken place.
According to police officials, Shaukat Nawaz Mir is wanted in multiple cases. He is considered a key figure linked to ongoing investigations involving banned activities.
Security forces recently launched an operation to apprehend him. Authorities said that during the raid, Mir managed to evade capture. As a result, search operations have now been expanded to multiple areas.
Earlier reports had claimed that he was arrested near Airan Nullah in the Dhirkot area of Bagh district. Those reports also suggested that two additional suspects were detained during the same operation. However, police have not confirmed these claims.
Officials further stated that additional raids are being carried out to locate Shaukat Nawaz Mir and other individuals named in the investigation. Security teams remain active in the region.
The situation has led to heightened security measures in parts of Muzaffarabad. Police set up barricades on key roads leading to areas linked with the suspect.
Several shops in the area remained closed due to precautionary concerns. Authorities, however, said that the overall law and order situation in the capital remains under control.
Officials allege that the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) has been involved in activities aimed at mobilizing public sentiment against the state. The group is also accused of campaigning against reserved refugee seats in the Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly.
The Azad Kashmir Home Department had earlier announced a reward of Rs1 crore for information leading to the arrest of each wanted individual. Shaukat Nawaz Mir is among those listed, along with other key figures including Umar Nazir Kashmiri, Khawaja Mehran Arshad, and Sardar Aman.
Before becoming one of the prominent faces of JAAC, Shaukat Nawaz Mir gained public recognition as president of Muzaffarabad’s traders’ association. He was elected under the “one shop, one vote” system, representing thousands of local shopkeepers.
Authorities say investigations are still ongoing, and efforts to locate Shaukat Nawaz Mir will continue until he is brought into custody.
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